This poet invented a new word
for her poem: "my withness," meaning
a person who is always with you.
The Meadow
Kate Knapp Johnson
Half the day lost, staring
at this window. I wanted to know
just one true thing
about the soul, but I left thinking
for thought, and now -
two inches of snow have fallen
over the meadow. Where did I go,
how long was I out looking
for you?, who would never leave me,
my withness, my here.
from Wind Somewhere, and Shade, 2001
Miami University Press, Oxford, Ohio
Copyright 2001 by Kate Knapp Johnson.
All rights reserved.
Reproduced with permission (click for permissions information).
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